PSG trash Monaco thanks to the rhythm of Dembélé and Mbappe as focus shift to Champions League clash with highflying Newcastle

In the highly anticipated clash between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Monaco on Friday evening, the script seemed to favor PSG, the favorites. However, the young Monaco team, having earned praise, hinted that a straightforward home victory might not be a given.

Under Luis Enrique’s management, PSG has had a rather unremarkable start at the Parc des Princes. The spotlight is now on whether his unconventional criticism of Kylian Mbappe will pose a future problem.

Surprisingly, Luis Enrique’s team demonstrated a different face on Friday, securing a commanding 5-2 victory over Monaco, with Mbappe contributing a goal and an assist. This win propelled PSG four points clear at the top of Ligue 1, though they’ve played a game more than second-placed Nice.

One noteworthy development was Luis Enrique’s midfield configuration, which seemed to stumble upon a newfound balance. The absence of Marco Verratti has been a significant blow to PSG’s midfield, evident in their results this season. Employing a 4-3-3 system, Luis Enrique fielded Vitinha, Manuel Ugarte, and Fabian Ruiz to control possession and maintain compactness against Monaco’s counter-attacks.

The strategy paid off handsomely, with all three midfielders playing pivotal roles. Goncalo Ramos scored after just 18 minutes, capitalizing on a rebound inside the penalty area. Although Monaco quickly equalized through Takumi Minamino, PSG regained the lead before halftime, with Mbappe converting from the penalty spot.

Ousmane Dembele extended PSG’s lead to 3-1 with a well-placed shot, while Mbappe provided an assist for Vitinha to score a sublime goal. Monaco managed to pull a goal back through Folarin Balogun, but it wasn’t enough to salvage any points. PSG sealed their victory with a fifth goal in stoppage time, courtesy of Randal Kolo Muani.

The result not only solidified PSG’s position at the top of the league but also suggested that Luis Enrique might have discovered a stable foundation to build upon in the lead-up to the Christmas period. Despite Monaco’s resilience, PSG’s multifaceted performance showcased signs of promise under their new manager.